Wondering what to serve with crab cakes for your next dinner party or cozy night in? You’re not alone. Crab cakes are a delicious seafood favorite with a savory, flaky texture—and the right sides, sauces, drinks, and garnishes can take them from simple to sensational.
In this comprehensive guide on what to serve with crab cakes, you’ll find over 30 creative pairings. From vibrant salads and crispy vegetables to bold dipping sauces, fresh bread, and even wine and beer suggestions, we’ll help you build the perfect plate for any occasion.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crab Cakes
Looking for the perfect sides to complement your crab cakes? Choosing what to serve with crab cakes often depends on the flavor and texture contrast you’re aiming for. Whether you want something crisp, creamy, refreshing, or hearty, there’s a side dish here that fits.
Fresh Salads
1. Classic Coleslaw
Perfectly creamy and tangy, coleslaw is a traditional match. It’s easy to make and always a hit. Try pairing it with this crispy chicken salad for variety.
2. Arugula Salad
Peppery and light, arugula pairs perfectly with the richness of crab cakes. Toss it with a lemon vinaigrette and top with shaved Parmesan and toasted almonds or pine nuts for a fancy, flavorful upgrade.
3. Citrus Avocado Salad
Bright citrus like grapefruit or orange segments cut through the crab cakes’ richness, while creamy avocado complements their soft interior. A drizzle of honey-lime dressing brings it all together beautifully.
Vegetable Sides
4. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt adds a crisp, earthy contrast to crab cakes. Serve with a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors even more.
5. Garlic Green Beans
Crisp and aromatic, green beans tossed with garlic and a splash of lemon offer a vibrant bite. You can stir-fry them with sesame oil for an Asian twist or keep it classic with butter and herbs.
6. Sautéed Spinach
Quick and easy, spinach sautéed in olive oil with garlic offers a healthy and satisfying green side. It’s mild enough to support, not compete with, the bold flavors of the crab.
Starch-Based Sides
7. Herbed Rice
Soft, fluffy rice flavored with dill, chives, parsley, or cilantro makes an ideal neutral base. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top adds brightness and balances the dish.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Crab cakes and mashed potatoes are a match made in comfort food heaven. Try roasted garlic mash or add chives and a bit of sour cream for extra depth.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, golden sweet potato fries are an amazing textural and flavor contrast to crab cakes. Spice them with paprika, cumin, or even a touch of cinnamon.
Sauces & Condiments for Crab Cakes
Sauces are one of the most impactful answers to what to serve with crab cakes. The right sauce—whether creamy, spicy, or tangy—can enhance the crab’s natural sweetness or add a bold new layer of flavor.
Creamy Classics
10. Tartar Sauce
This seafood staple combines mayo, lemon juice, pickles, and fresh herbs for a tangy, creamy dip. Add capers or fresh dill for a bold, flavorful twist.
11. Garlic Aioli
Smooth, garlicky aioli is rich and luxurious. It complements the crispy exterior of crab cakes and adds a garlicky depth to every bite.
12. Remoulade Sauce
Popular in Southern cuisine, remoulade is a spicier, more complex cousin of tartar sauce. Made with mustard, paprika, horseradish, and mayo, it delivers heat and tang.
Bold & Bright Options
13. Sriracha Mayo
Mix sriracha with mayo, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a spicy, creamy sauce. This adds heat without overpowering the delicate crab flavor.
14. Mango Chutney
For something sweet and tropical, serve crab cakes with mango chutney. It complements the seafood with hints of ginger, vinegar, and cinnamon.
15. Mustard Sauce
Dijon or honey mustard provides a sharp, tangy contrast. Whisk it with a bit of mayo and vinegar for a balanced dip.
16. Lemon Butter Sauce
Simple but luxurious, this buttery sauce with a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley enhances the natural sweetness of crab meat.
What to Drink with Crab Cakes
Your drink choice can highlight or tone down certain flavors in crab cakes. Here are some perfect pairings to try:
Wines
17. Sauvignon Blanc
This white wine is crisp, citrusy, and herbal. Its acidity cuts through the richness of crab cakes, making it a refreshing choice.
18. Chardonnay
Look for unoaked or lightly oaked versions. Its buttery texture matches the indulgence of crab cakes without overpowering them.
19. Sparkling Wine
Champagne or Prosecco brings festive fizz and a bright lift to the palate between bites.
Beers
20. Light Pilsners
Crisp and clean, pilsners balance the fried texture of crab cakes without adding heaviness.
21. Wheat Beers (Hefeweizen)
These slightly sweet, citrusy beers go well with seafood and enhance the crab’s natural sweetness.
22. Pale Ales
For beer drinkers who like some bitterness, pale ales offer a strong contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Non-Alcoholic Options
23. Lemonade
Fresh-squeezed lemonade with a bit of mint is the perfect non-alcoholic choice for hot days or casual crab cake lunches.
24. Sparkling Water
Citrus or berry-infused sparkling water is clean, refreshing, and palate-cleansing.
25. Virgin Mojito
Made with lime, mint, and soda water, this mocktail adds an herbal, zesty twist that works beautifully with crab cakes.
Bread & Garnishes to Serve with Crab Cakes
Adding soft bread or a fresh garnish brings texture and style to your plate.
Soft Bread Options
26. Brioche Rolls
Use these for crab cake sliders. Their sweet, buttery flavor is a delicious contrast to the savory filling.
27. Hawaiian Buns
A fun, slightly sweet option—great for casual meals or party platters.
28. Garlic Dinner Rolls
Classic and comforting, brushed with garlic butter for extra flavor.
Toasted and Crispy
29. Garlic Bread
Bold and flavorful, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauces.
30. Crostini or Toasted Baguette
Serve mini crab cakes on crostini as an elegant appetizer.
Garnishes
31. Fresh Herbs: Parsley, dill, and cilantro add color and brightness.
32. Citrus Zest or Wedges: Lemon or lime enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
33. Orange Segments: Serve with a citrus salad or as a plate accent.
How to Serve Crab Cakes
Formal Dinner Ideas
- Place crab cakes over a small bed of greens or polenta.
- Add a swipe of aioli or remoulade on the plate.
- Garnish with herbs or edible flowers.
Casual Family Meals
- Use a buffet-style setup with a variety of sides and sauces.
- Serve sliders with toppings like slaw, pickles, or lettuce.
- Arrange a crab cake platter with toothpicks, dips, and lemon wedges.
FAQs
1: What’s the best vegetable to serve with crab cakes?
Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans are flavorful, healthy options that balance the dish.
2: Can I serve crab cakes with pasta?
Yes! Light pasta like lemon-butter angel hair or pesto spaghetti pairs well.
3: What’s a good dipping sauce for crab cakes?
Tartar, aioli, remoulade, or spicy mayo all work great. Even mustard-based sauces shine.
4: What drinks pair best with crab cakes?
Sauvignon Blanc, wheat beer, lemonade, or a virgin mojito are excellent choices.
5: Can I serve crab cakes as a main dish?
Absolutely—just pair them with hearty sides like herbed rice or mashed potatoes.
6: How do I serve them as appetizers?
Make mini crab cakes and serve them on crostini, with dipping sauces or skewers.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to serve with crab cakes, you’re equipped to create a memorable seafood meal every time. Whether you choose a fresh citrus salad, creamy mashed potatoes, a zesty remoulade, or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, the right pairing will elevate your dish and satisfy your guests.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! These ideas are just the beginning of exploring what to serve with crab cakes to create your own signature experience.